Pullman London St. Pancras celebrates official launch

17 November 2013

Pullman London St Pancras officially launches with Pullman Artnight showcasing its final design, state-of-the art services and contemporary art collection. A year-long journey, the now complete Pullman London St Pancras is a European flagship for the global hotel brand.

Two bedrooms have been transformed into “Art Rooms” which will be available for overnight stays after the event. French photographer Carole Bellaiche showcases an intimate series of lover’s portraits with her, “Les Amoureux” collection. The collection shows couples on the brink of intimacy and have a film-like quality that make you feel like you are watching a scene which is about to unfold. The collection is subtly linked to the 1966 film “Blow up” directed by Michelangelo Antonioni.

Two floors below is an Oliver Twist themed room by London-based Portrait sculptor James A Matthews. Matthews takes his inspiration from the location of the hotel. In 1838, Charles Dickens penned his second novel “Oliver Twist” at 48 Doughty Street; a stone’s throw from the Pullman Hotel. Much of the novel is set locally to the hotel; Dickens set Fagin’s den, at Saffron Hill near the rookery of St. Giles.

A pop up art gallery by renowned Nigerian photographer George Osodi is displayed in the lower lounge. The Pullman London St. Pancras is home to its own unique collection of contemporary art. A permanent exhibition of works by photographer’s Liz Hingley, George Osodi and Richard Bellia, part of the Pullman Collection, are on display throughout the hotel. The hotel is also an official hotel partner to the world-famous Frieze Art Fair.

A Dramatic History
The site of this exciting hotel has experienced a number of dramatic and theatrical changes since its inception in 1971. It started life as the location for the Camden Council Building and Library, which housed the purpose-built Shaw Theatre, named in honour of renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw.

The Shaw Theatre opened its doors with the show Zigger Zaggar and over the coming years theatrical luminaries have graced its stage including Sir Ian McKellan, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Flora Robson, Patricia Routledge and Vanessa Redgrave. Today, the theatre runs a full schedule of performances.

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Pullman London St Pancras Today
The highly contemporary design is instantly striking. The design takes much of its inspiration from its location drawing on the linear design and colours of the railway with contrasting greys and yellows, and strong lines decorating the public areas. Coloured light beams and miniature Bowler hat lamp shades add a touch of humour.

Situated just minutes from King’s Cross St Pancras station, the vibrant hotel features 312 bedrooms, the Golden Arrow restaurant and bar and panoramic views of the London Skyline. There are 17 specially designed spaces for events and business meetings, a 446-seat tiered theatre for arts and corporate use, and a sauna and gym.

Rooms include Superior to Deluxe with Deluxe suites (and junior suites to come in 2014) specially designed to suit a wide range of requirements and taste. Bedrooms include the Pullman bed, free high speed WiFi, a tranquil rain shower, tea & coffee making facilities, mini-bar, Roger & Gallet toiletries, a plush king bed, 40"TV, free high speed Wi-Fi, movies on demand & work desk all highlighted by modern design.

Jaime Faus, General Manager Pullman London St.Pancras comments, “We’re thrilled to introduce a one-of-a-kind hotel to this vibrant travel hub of London and are confident that our spacious, in-style bedrooms, exciting restaurant and bar and unique conference facilities combined with the highest levels of service will ensure guests feel re-energised during their stay with us.”

Christophe Vanswieten, COO Pullman Europe stated, “This is our first Pullman for the UK and a shining example of the brand. We have a strong pipeline for development in Europe and internationally and are looking forward to welcoming guests to new locations for Pullman hotels & resorts.”

King’s Cross: London’s new culture quarter
The cultural train has well and truly pulled into a gentrified King’s Cross, with the area destined to become a hub for art lovers and a serious rival to the South Bank. The imposing Granary Building at the back of King’s Cross station was built in 1851 as a giant warehouse for London’s grain. As the new home of the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, part of the University of the Arts, it is now flowing with the seeds of Britain’s creative industries. King’s Cross Central, a new 67-acre development, includes, shops and homes, as well new theatres and independent cinemas.

At the heart of this cultural revitalization stands the Pullman hotel, London’s home of the new executive lifestyle. A series of signature encounters with the Pullman brand at Pullman’s Artnight events are rooted in the destination city as well as in the brand DNA: cosmopolitan, in-style and vibrant.

Xavier Louyot, SVP Global Marketing Pullman comments, “Whether guests are staying for business or leisure, our objective is to offer our guests a cosmopolitan, vibrant and in-style experience. In 2013, starting in Paris and Brussels, and now London, Pullman is building with both emerging and established living artists, a contemporary art collection that explores an essential aspect of our times: the re-emergence of cultural identities in a modern world marked by universality and cultural mixing.”

Golden Arrow: Dining Decadence
The restaurant, which seats 94, is named Golden Arrow after the famous all-first-class Pullman train service. Its menu is centered on the Pullman journey and features modern British, French and European cuisine and matching fine wines. Distinctive to the hotel is The Josper Grill; a hybrid oven – used to heat but famed for being the hottest burning indoor grill.

The selection of wines at Golden Arrow has been expertly selected as excellent examples of their style. In addition guests can enjoy the innovative Vinoteca by Pullman wine libraries which offer a wide range of wines by the glass.

If cocktails are more to the taste of guests “timeless cocktails” including Margaritas, Cosmopolitans and Whiskey Sours are alongside the more adventurous “Pullman Collection Cocktails” such as the Pullman Connection - a beautiful mix of Lychee Liqueur, Midori, Ketel One Vodka, and Pineapple juice with sweet and sour.

Golden Arrow also features one of London’s finest whisky collections. The 200-strong-strong whisky collection brings a new generation of whisky to London from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, America and Canada.

Three nights a week the Golden Arrow offers live entertainment at ‘GA Live’ with local acoustic artists and live DJs